Malaysia Aviation Group mulls Firefly ATR 72 replacement

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is looking at replacing the ATR 72 turboprops operated by its regional unit Firefly. MAG chief Nasaruddin Bakar said the group intends to find replacements very soon. The ATR 72-500s have been in operation for many, many years, he noted. Firefly flies nine ATR 72s that are between 15 and 18 years old and were delivered factory-fresh to the carrier.

The turboprops operate from Kuala Lumpur's Subang airport, mostly to domestic destinations in Peninsular Malaysia and to Singapore. Nasaruddin said the replacement decision will consider ongoing rejuvenation efforts at Subang airport. In 2023, the Malaysian government announced plans to turn Subang into a premium city airport by allowing jet aircraft operations. Firefly briefly deployed Boeing 737-800s at the airport but pulled out months later, focusing on turboprop operations.

Separately, Nasaruddin said Malaysia Airlines' plan to replace its Airbus A350-900s with new long-range widebodies remains on track. The airline hopes to conclude its campaign by November and announce its choice by the end of the year.